Gourmet hot dog pop-up Pepper’s Hotdogs, owned by Tarina Hodges, will open on August 7 at the Flatiron Building on Peachtree Street in downtown Atlanta. To commemorate the milestone for the small business, Hodges plans to host a grand opening celebration on August 11, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The debut of Pepper’s Hotdogs in downtown Atlanta serendipitously aligns with Black Restaurant Week, beginning August 3 and running through August 17.
“It actually wasn’t planned that way, but the timing couldn’t be more perfect,” Hodges told Rough Draft. “Things aligned naturally, and opening during Black Restaurant Week just feels right. It’s a full-circle moment that highlights everything Pepper’s stands for.”
Hodges, who launched Pepper’s in 2022, is entering her third year as a Black Restaurant Week participant. When Hodges joined the event in 2023, she was eager to be part of something that celebrated and supported Black-owned food businesses like hers.
“It felt like the perfect way to introduce my brand to the city and the community,” she said.
Hodges’ intuition paid off. The hot dog pop-up is still going strong in its fourth year, and back in April, Pepper’s opened a stand featuring an exclusive ATL Dog as part of Truist Park’s Outfield Market at the Braves baseball stadium.
Hodges had been searching for a permanent location for a while, and the Flatiron Building on Peachtree Street felt like the right fit for Pepper’s.
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“I love downtown. It’s central, historic, full of culture and energy. Being across from Georgia State University and in one of Atlanta’s most iconic buildings makes it even more special,” Hodges said. “It’s walkable, connected, and there’s a real sense of energy and growth happening downtown. I wanted Pepper’s to be part of that movement.”
Now known as Flatiron City, the Flatiron Building opened in 1897 and is Atlanta’s oldest skyscraper. The building is currently home to a location of Land of a Thousand Hills Coffee, along with offices and workspaces. Pepper’s resides on the ground floor next to the coffee shop.
Hodges said the new location will feature an expanded menu, including premium hot dogs, a turkey burger, melts, and sides. Expect a section for “build your own dogs” offering toppings such as truffle aioli, turkey chili, and caramelized onions. Hodges will also introduce a “hot dog of the month” at the new location, kicking off in August with an elote dog.
And while Pepper’s Hotdogs at the Flatiron Building is the first permanent location, Hodges envisions expanding to more locations.
“I definitely see more brick-and-mortar locations in our future. This is just the beginning. I’m building something that’s meant to grow, and I want Pepper’s to have a strong presence across the city and beyond,” she said.
Pepper’s Hotdogs, 84 Peachtree St. Opening August 7, with a grand opening August 11. Hours: Monday – Friday, 11 am – 3 pm.
